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Chapter 65

Being with You

A couple of hours later...

I had read a couple of chapters in on the book and I was really into it. At first, I was expecting the worst, but the story wasn't at all like I thought it would be. It actually had a pretty plot and some good characters. It also made me wonder if it really was an erotic novel. I couldn't stop reading it. I desperately wanted to know what would happen to the hero and the heroine of the story, no matter what I came across while reading. Would they ever get together? Will they overcome their obstacles and fall in love? Will I ever get to the part where they did... well... dirty stuff? All I could do was keep reading.

Before I knew it, the sun had already set and it was getting close to dusk. And to add to that, I was also about a third of the way through the book. Since it was getting late, I figured I'd take a bath and get ready for bed. I walked towards the bathroom and was about to enter, but then I stopped and looked back to the book that I placed on the bed. I was really tempted to read some more, but I knew that I really needed a bath.

"Maybe I should take the book with me in the bath," I thought. Then I shook my head. "Nah. It's not my book for starters. I might accidentally drop it in the water and then Erza will be rather cross with me we as would Levy. I'll just take a bath first and then get back to reading."

I then walked over to the bathroom and then turned on the water. I then took off my clothes and washed my face while I waited for the tub to fill. I scrubbed every part of my body until I was finished. At the very same time, the tub was filled just the way I wanted it and I turned off the water. Then I stepped into the water and immersed myself in the water letting out a sigh.

"Man... I never get tired of this," I said to myself. "This is absolute heaven. I could stay in this tub forever and ever. Lucy definitely had the right idea of recommending this place to me."

As I soaked in the tub, I looked up at the ceiling letting my thoughts wander in my mind. I also hummed a little tune to myself just for fun. I stayed in the tub for about a good fifteen minutes or so and then I got out and got dressed in my pajamas. I just got out of the bathroom when I heard a knock on the door.

"Coming," I called as I walked up to the door.

I then opened the door to see that the landlady was standing in front of my doorway.

"Oh. Good evening Ms. Landlady," I said. "What brings you to my room? Something the matter?"

"Nothing of the sort, Willy," said the landlady. "I just came by to bring you something." She then held handed me an envelope. "Someone came by and told me to give this to you."

I took the envelope from the landlady and inspected it. There was no return address neither was there a postal mark which made me feel a bit confused.

"Do you know who this person was that told you to give this letter to me?" I asked.

The landlady shook her head. "I honestly don't know. The only thing I can tell you was that it was some guy I've never seen before," she said. "However he did say that he was someone you knew and he's looking forward to seeing you. Maybe he's one of your fans or something."

"Well then, I appreciate you giving this to me Ms. Landlady," I said. "I'll make sure to read this right away."

"Anytime. Have a good night, Willy," said the landlady.

She then walked away as I went back into my room. I walked to my bed and sat down taking another look at the letter.

"I wonder who would send me a letter?" I thought. "Finn perhaps? Or maybe someone from the guild? Well, there's only one way to find out."

I then flipped the envelope and lifted the flap opening it. Inside of it was a single folded piece of paper. I then opened the paper. On it was a strange symbol that was an upside down triangle that was green with a white outline with a matching color dot in the middle. Above the symbol was two words.

GUESS WHO?

The moment I saw those words and that symbol, I felt even more confused than before. Not only that, but I felt the nagging suspicion that I had seen that symbol somewhere before. But I couldn't remember where. I then shrugged off the feeling and placed the note on the desk next to my bed.

"It's probably nothing," I thought to myself. "It must be some kind of prank or something."

I then looked at the window and saw that the sun had disappeared from the sky and it was now nightfall. I let out a yawn while stretching feeling a little bit sleepy.

"I guess it's time for me to go to sleep," I said to myself as I got into my bed. "Man... and here I was hoping to read a couple more chapters of that book. Oh well. There's always tomorrow."

I pulled up the covers up to my chest and made myself comfy. When I found myself in a suitable sleeping position, I then closed my eyes and soon enough, I was fast asleep.

I was floating... Floating in the blank space that everyone knew as the dreaming space.

Then... I felt a sensation on my arms and my ankles. A burning and painful sensation. Not only that, but I felt a stinging sensation around my neck like something around my neck was wound tight and had just burned me.

I then opened my eyes.

My vision was blurry at first, but it eventually grew sharper and I could see where I was. When I realized where I was, I immediately broke into a sweat and I felt my heart stop.

I was in the room where I was experimented on, back when I was the Bureau of Magical Development as a child bound up by the cables in the pit.

"What...? What is this?!" I exclaimed. "What am I doing here?!"

Then suddenly three faces appeared before me. All of them were the staff members that worked in the Bureau wearing those cloth masks.

"It's time," they all ominously said. "It's time."

I immediately tried to break free of the cables that bound me, but I couldn't. I tried to summon my magic, but that didn't work either. I then felt fear and terror slowly begin to take over my body as I found myself completely helpless in this situation. Then I heard the sound of evil laughter echo throughout the space I was in causing me to look around wondering where it was coming from.

Then I looked up and saw the strange structure of the face of back then. As soon as I saw it, it began changing shape and it took the appearance of a man. Upon seeing the face, my eyes widened as wide as saucers. It was the bearded man who had arranged me to be kidnapped and experimented on me.

He flashed a twisted smile that spread from ear to ear. "You're mine, my little subject," he said darkly. "You're my one and only subject... you're mine and mine alone..."

Then I saw that the cables volt to life as a strange purple electricity went through them and headed straight towards me. I struggled as hard as I could desperately trying to break free before it could get to me.

But it would be too late. The electricity touched my skin and I felt a powerful shock go through my body. I screamed in agony as my body convulsed and shook. All the while, the man was cackling evilly and in amusement enjoying torturing and breaking me.

As I continued to be shocked, I screamed in agony and I could feel tears welling in my eyes.

Then I saw something as my torture continued. A strange purple substance that came from the cables was slowly covering my skin. As it did, a hot feeling began to overtake me along with the pain. I then could feel my reason slipping away like something was taking me over. The substance enveloped my arms and legs and was getting close to my face. I tried to keep my sense, but I could feel it. I was losing myself to the pain and the heat. The substance had already enveloped my chest and was going up my neck. Then just when it was about to envelop my face...

My eyes immediately snapped up as I bolted straight up waking up with a fright. I was panting like I had just run a marathon and I was sweating like a pig. I took a couple of deep breaths trying to calm myself down. I looked around and saw that I was still in my room with the sun shining through my window. Then I happened to look at the desk next to me and saw the note. I took the note and I looked at it.

Now I knew what that symbol was and had an idea of who sent. It was the symbol that I saw on the staff's faces back when I was little. The symbol of the Bureau of Magical Development. Which meant that someone from the Bureau must have sent me this paper.

My hands began to tremble and shake causing the paper to shake as well. I then crumpled the paper in my hands.

"Damn it," I thought as I clenched my fists.

Obviously, this was a problem that I just couldn't ignore. If someone from the Bureau did indeed send me this, why now? How did the person know where I lived? And who was it that sent me this?

I then shook my head getting out of my bed and went to the bathroom. As much of a problem this was, I couldn't worry about it right now because I had no idea what I would be dealing with. I crumpled the paper into a little ball and threw it away in the trash can. I then went to the bathroom, so I could take a shower.

As I stripped down and turned on the shower, I looked down at my hands. They were perfectly normal just like any other human's, but there was some slight scarring on my wrists due to the experimenting done to me. I also looked down at my feet where there was also some rings of scarring around my ankles. Just seeing them made me remember my dark past once again and the old man who had betrayed and experimented on me. I could still remember his words which made me my hands tremble and clench in anger and fear.

"You're my one and only subject. You're mine and mine alone."

I then sighed focusing on getting the dark thoughts out of my mind. Like I told myself before, there was nothing I could do at this time about that. The only thing I could do right now is to go about my day.

As soon as I was finished getting ready, I walked out of the apartment building to find that a certain blonde that was my neighbor was walking just ahead of me. I then fast walked toward her eventually catching up to her.

"Hey there, Lucy," I greeted.

Lucy turned around and smiled when she saw me. "Hey there, Willy," she said. "What's up? You heading for the guildhall?"

"Of course I am," I replied. "I'm going to help Mira today with some errands."

"Well that sure sounds like fun," said Lucy. "You'll learn a lot about the guild and you'll have an opportunity to catch up with Mira."

"Yup. That's the plan," I said. "What about you? You gonna go out on a job or something to pay the rent?"

"Of course," said Lucy. "If I don't, the landlady will reap me a new one."

As we continued our walk chatting, I made sure not to show any worry on my face due to my nightmare and the letter I received. The last thing I wanted was to make one of my friends worry about me. Me and Lucy soon came into the guildhall and walked and were greeted by some of our guild members. I looked around trying to find Mira, so I could get started helping her, but she was nowhere to be seen.

I decided to hang around until I saw her, so I took a seat at a table. As I did, a female member came up to me. She was wearing a green waitress uniform and had short purple hair with a green bow on top. I recognized this girl as Kinana.

"Hey there, Willy," she said. "Can I get you anything?"

"Just a big cup of water please, Kinana," I said.

"No problem. One big cup of water coming up," said Kinana.

She then left to fetch me what I ordered. After a few seconds, Kinana returned with a full cup of water and I gulped down a swig. As I drank my water, I heard a pair of voices.

"Hey there, Willy."

"How's it going bud?"

I put down my cup and turned to see Macao and Wakaba coming up to me.

"Hey there, Macao. Wakaba," I said smiling. "It's good to see you two."

"Not as great seeing you," Macao grinned. "Look at you, all grown up and a member of Fairy Tail."

"We've been meaning to see you sooner, but with all the craziness we forgot to," said Wakaba. "So how have you been?"

"Doing pretty well," I said. "Thank you for asking. By the way, have you two seen Mira anywhere?"

"Why? You wanna ask her on a hot date or something?" asked Wakaba teasingly.

"Not really. I'm supposed to be helping her out with a couple of errands today," I replied as I gulped down some more water. "I figured I'd go see her as soon as I can."

"Well... I think I saw her in the archives last time I checked," said Macao.

"Alright then," I said. "Then that's where I'll look for her. Thanks."

I then got up and drank the rest of my water and walked off heading to the archives. I walked up a flight of stairs onto the second floor and I came to a room in the corner. I opened the door and looked around and my eyes went wide with amazement. The entire room was filled with books as far as the eye could see. It was like I walked in a library. I then happened to see a certain someone who was standing on a really tall ladder putting some books back on the shelf. The very someone that I was looking for.

"Hey, Mira!" I called. "I'm here to help you."

Mira looked down at me and smiled. "Hey there, Willy. Nice of you to come," she said.

"Is this one of the errands you have to do?" I asked as I came down the stairs.

"Yes. I just need to put some new documents in," said Mira. "Mind giving me a hand?"

"Not at all," I said. "I'm always happy to help you out."

Soon enough, Mira and I were busy sorting out the documents. We both went back and forth and up and down placing books, records, and other things into their proper places. After a while, everything was where it should be.

"Whew. Well, that was a lot of work," I said wiping my brow.

"Good job Willy," said Mira. "That's one errand out of the way. If it was just me by myself, it would have taken me quite a while to finish. I really appreciate the help."

"It's no problem," I said. "I'm just surprised that there's so many books here. Are they all records of the guild and its members and stuff?"

"Yes. This place is where you can find just about everything about the guild and what has transpired here," said Mira. "Like who was in the guild and stuff like that."

"Wow... that's crazy," I gasped as I looked around at the many books again. "There must be lots of records in this place."

"There sure are," smiled Mira. "Anyway, now that we've finished sorting the newly added records, you wanna help some more?"

"Sure," I said.

Then, Mira and I left the Archive room behind us and went about doing the other duties she had to do. From cleaning the windows to doing the dusting. After a while, we sat at the table finally finished our work.

"Whew! We're finally done," I said wiping my brow. "Geez. Do you have to do this all the time, Mira?"

"Not all the time," she replied. "Some of the other female workers in the guild do the duties I do too, but only on certain days. It was just my turn for today. But you were a big help today, Willy. I really appreciate your help."

"Anytime Mira," I said with a small smile. "It's the least I can do. Say Mira... since we're here taking a break and all, why don't we catch up? For old times sake?"

"Sure," said Mira. "What do you wanna talk about?"

"Well... what's happened over the past years while I was gone?" I asked. "I mean everything that's happened up till today."

Mira hummed tapping her finger on her chin. "Let's see... where do I begin? Well... a lot of stuff happened actually."

Mira and I then talked with Mira telling me everything that had happened over the past few years. When Happy was born, when she, Laxus, and Erza passed the S class trial to become S class wizard, and even the war between Fairy Tail and Phantom Lord and the Battle of Fairy Tail. But the one that had me curious and one she left out was when she, Elfman, and Lisanna went out on the job where Lisanna had died. I wanted to ask her about it, but I thought it would be best if I asked her later since she was in such a good mood.

"And then after that, Master exiled Laxus from the guild," finished Mira.

"Well that is to be expected," I said. "I mean after all he did just throw the entire guild into chaos by turning everyone against each other. So with him gone, does that mean that you, Erza, and Mystogan are the only S class wizards left?"

"Not really," said Mira. "There's one more. And he's considered to be the strongest S class wizard ever. In fact, I'd say that he's the strongest wizard Fairy Tail's ever had. His name is Gildarts."

"Gildarts? I've never heard of him," I said as I looked around the guildhall. "Is there any way I could meet him?"

"I'm afraid not," said Mira. "Gildarts went out on a job and won't be back for quite some time."

"That's a shame. I wanted to meet him. After all, he does sound like an interesting and strong fellow," I said.

"Don't tell me you're planning to fight him?" smirked Mira. "If you are, you don't stand a chance against him."

"Don't worry. I'm not like Natsu," I chuckled. "I'm not stupid enough to go toe-to-toe with an S class wizard. Well... unless I know I can win of course."

"You never know Willy. You were able to go toe-to-toe with Erza before," said Mira. "If you trained a little more, I'm sure that you'll be a pretty strong S class wizard in no time."

I couldn't help but laugh. "You flatter me," I said. "I didn't even stand a chance against Erza and she didn't even use her armor. But thanks for the compliment."

Mira giggled a little. Then she looked towards another direction with a wistful look in her eyes. "You know something Willy?" she said. "I know I probably haven't said this before, but... I'm really glad that you're here. It's been kinda lonely around here. I know I have friends here, but it hasn't been the same without you."

"What do mean by that?" I asked.

Mira then shook her head. "Sorry. It's just that... it's really great that I finally have had the chance to talk to you," she said. "I mean... it's been six years since we last talked, but it feels like it's been forever."

"Yeah... no kidding," I agreed. "You know... it's funny. We've been through who knows what kinds of hell and here we are smiling and laughing away. I didn't even think that I'd become a Fairy Tail wizard." I paused before looking back at Mira. "I'm really glad that I became a member Mira. If I didn't, I don't know where'd I be right now."

Mira looked at me and a warm smile graced her lips. "Me too," she said. "I'm glad that you're here too. All of us are."

I smiled back at her feeling very happy with her statement. Then I heard a voice call out to me.

"Willy! Could you come over here please?"

I turned to my right and saw that Makarov was waving over to me at the bar. Team Natsu with the exception of Erza and Fried were also there too. Me and Mira then walked on over to see him.

"What's up, Master?" I asked.

"Well, I would like for you to go with Wendy, Happy, and Fried a job in Onibas," said Makarov. "I'm not too keen on letting her go by herself, so I want you to join them just to be safe."

"If that's what you want, Master," I said. "I'd be happy to help."

"What?!" cried Happy with shock.

"That's like super random!" exclaimed Natsu, Lucy, and Gray.

I looked at Mira wondering what was going on, but she shrugged her shoulders not having clue.

Don't forget to fav and PM if you want to give me any pointers or questions.

Dragoman out!